Robin Thomas is a technopreneur with a strong background in Sustainability Consulting and Circular IT Advisory. Prior to founding Carbonzeroed, he was a member of the Schneider Electric Secure Power Division helping customers decarbonize their operations. He has also made contributions to the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and is currently an ExCo member of the Smart Cities Chapter of SG Tech Singapore. His specializations include clean energy advisory, GHG emission auditing, low carbon options assessment, building performance management, city planning and climate (decarbonization & de-pollution) services.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Robin shared the inspiration behind establishing Carbonzeroed, insights on some of the most promising areas of innovation in climate tech, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Robin. What inspired you to start Carbonzeroed and what problem are you trying to solve?
Despite a two-decade career in Tech, my recent stint at Schneider Electric – The World’s Most Sustainable Company* (Corporate Knights, TIME and Statista) provided the tools, guidance and inspiration to start Carbonzeroed. With this new venture, we’re helping companies of all sizes accelerate their energy transition to Net Zero.
With operations in three countries, how do you navigate regional differences in sustainability regulations, policies, and cultural attitudes towards climate action?
Irrespective of the political, cultural, and regulatory landscape in the three countries we operate in; implementing a TRANS-DISCIPLINARY approach of collaboration and co-operation between parties has helped tremendously. For example, launching a marketing campaign or deploying an IoT solution for a customer encompasses all business functions of Carbonzeroed including Marketing, Finance, Sustainability managers and ESG specialists.
What role do you think governments and policymakers should play in supporting climate action and sustainability?
Governments and policymakers today play an active role as “Sustainability Shepherds” by creating awareness, removing silos, normalizing standards and expediting carbon taxation & penalties as suggested by IPCC, UNCC and the global COP conferences. The next step is to become “Sustainability Stewards” in taking ownership and measuring progress across the economic ecosystem irrespective of organization size OR business value.
In your opinion, what are some of the most promising areas of innovation in climate tech, and where do you see the most potential for impact?
With the proliferation of AI and Data, climate tech companies will need to deploy Sustainability Intelligence into systems, processes, and solutions to deliver circularity outcomes. The next decade will impact future generations irreversibly and the time to act is NOW. Promising areas include the technology unification of OT, IT and IoT with AI, carbon capture systems and digital twins, Physical AI for smarter energy management and immersive tech/AR/VR for smart agriculture, farming and buildings.
How do you stay ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements and innovation in the climate tech space?
When it comes to Climate Tech, it is about “Keeping Up by Staying Ahead.” I focus on the climate research data published by reputed industry regulators and agencies while looking at technology advancements by startups and innovators at trade shows like CES, Hannover Messe and Mobile World Congress.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
The one person I’d like to thank is Ms. Anne Langourieux – founding member and leader of The Matcha Initiative. Her work on Sustainability and motto to Dare the Change & Share the Change continues to inspire me every day. Her hands-on and nurturing leadership style is my true North Star.
What does the term “authentic leadership” mean to you?
The formula of an “authentic leader” has an equal dose of empathy, tolerance for risk, humility in achievement and accountability in failure.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
I’m an avid photographer, traveler and content creator having travelled to 40 countries with my Drone & Camera kit capturing beautiful landscapes and wildlife; it’s a passion that has helped me grow as a person.
What’s your vision for the future of Carbonzeroed, and how do you see your company contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world?
The vision for Carbonzeroed is to be a trusted sustainability solution provider helping companies of all sizes achieve Net Zero. We will focus on our employees’ carbon footprint, nurture our client’s circular operations, build strategic cleantech partnerships to pursue positive Environmental Impact and Ecological Well-Being.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact?
For aspiring entrepreneurs, I can think of two quotes from Albert Einstein that have helped me in my journey.
“Try not to be of Success; but rather of Value”
“We cannot solve problems with the same thinking we used to create them”